My next vehicle just might be a Ford. As a semi-disabled ham radio operator, this little vehicle looks like it might fit the bill nicely. It should be fairly easy to install a ramp or lift for my mobility scooter as well as installing my mobile radio.

~300 lumen flashlight that lasts 24 hrs. It’s rechargeable, and has a built in low battery monitor, boost circuitry and the charging/balancing system for lithium batteries. It way one hell of a project and one of the biggest ones I’ve done. All smd as well. I’m quite proud of making it and I take it on job interviews as a show of skill.

I have a shop tip for those who buy adhesives such as Shoe Goo or contact cement that come in toothpaste-type tubes with a screw on cap. To prevent the frustration of the cap from becoming permanently glued to the tube, I first wipe the threaded neck after use, then apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly on the threads only. You will be able to twist the cap off with ease every time. Attached is a photo of the process.

I find these videos offer a “quick and dirty” style of making. I tend toward a more high quality or finished style myself. I definitely find the projects interesting and can see myself undertaking similar builds, I just think my OCD nature would kick in and I would end up spending more time to create a more “clean” version of the item. Jimmy is definitely a “wing it” guy and his projects reflect this style, but that doesn’t make his projects any less interesting to me.

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In addition to being an online editor for MAKE Magazine, Michael Colombo works in fabrication, electronics, sound design, music production and performance (Yes. All that.) In the past he has also been a childrens’ educator and entertainer, and holds a Masters degree from NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program.